Time Well Spent

Upon entering the Master's of Science in Early Childhood studies program, I had a dream to teach adults. I still have the same dream, however, I want more.  This master's program has taught me to believe in myself and my abilities. I have learned to juggle my family, my schoolwork and my profession through trail and errors, through bumps in the road and with complete success. I remember doing the same type of juggling while I was in my undergraduate program but the Walden program really stretched me. I will say I will miss the Walden University family that has come apart of my life. Additionally, I have decided to pursue a graduate certificate in special education from Walden University (of course nowhere else would do!).

Academically I learned how to incorporate a diverse curriculum and put parents in charge of their children's education. My mission is to empower, enlighten and educate families. I want them to be advocates for their children. I learned adults develop and learn almost like children and a great adult educator needs to accommodate to the needs of his/her students. 

Furthermore, during my capstone research project, I dreamed up the Open Hearts Child Development Center for children with special needs. The mission of Open Hearts Child Development Center is to create a place where children, parents and families can come and feel safe, wanted and embraced with no judgments or preconceived notions while receiving developmentally appropriate education. This is a dream that I want to come to reality. 

So esteemed classmates, professors and friends, I bid you farewell and good luck! Thank you for everything. I have learned so much that I will carry you with me forever.

“The lotus is the most beautiful flower, whose petals open one by one. But it will only grow in the mud. In order to grow and gain wisdom, first you must have the mud --- the obstacles of life and its suffering. ... The mud speaks of the common ground that humans share, no matter what our stations in life. ... Whether we have it all or we have nothing, we are all faced with the same obstacles: sadness, loss, illness, dying and death. If we are to strive as human beings to gain more wisdom, more kindness and more compassion, we must have the intention to grow as a lotus and open each petal one by one. ”

-Goldie Hawn